What type of pain management might involve a limited number of steroid injections at a joint site?

The involvement of a limited number of steroid injections at a joint site is primarily aimed at reducing inflammation and swelling which can contribute to pain in that area. Steroid injections are commonly used as a targeted therapy to alleviate pain arising from conditions such as arthritis or tendonitis. The injections work by delivering corticosteroids directly to the joint, providing rapid relief from inflammation and allowing for improved mobility and function.

This approach is distinct from over-the-counter medications, which generally provide systemic relief but do not target specific areas like joint injections do. Similarly, physical therapy focuses on rehabilitation and exercises rather than direct injection therapies. Patient-controlled analgesia refers to a system allowing patients to manage their pain medication, typically used in a hospital setting for postoperative pain, rather than localized interventions such as steroid injections.

Thus, the choice that correctly describes the scenario concerning steroid injections is the procedure to reduce swelling, as that aligns with the purpose and action of injecting steroids into a specific joint.